Plans for a new 'state-of-the-art' police station in East Lancashire are taking a step forward.

Work is under way to start looking for a contractor for the scheme to build the new station in Carr Road, Nelson.

The project has faced delays, particularly due to Covid, however, work on site is now scheduled to start during the winter, replacing the dated stations in Colne and Nelson.

The new facility is well placed to serve Pendle and will be equipped with the latest technology to help officers carry out their duties more efficiently.

Pendle station is expected to be operational within the next two years and will host policing teams including response and neighbourhood policing teams, investigations, targeting teams and more.

There will also be a front counter, maintaining the service for Pendle as part of Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden's commitment to have a police station open to the public in every borough in the county.

Mr Snowden said: "I'm pleased to see progress in this significant investment in our policing infrastructure.

"The new facility will provide a modern policing base serving communities across Pendle and is a clear indication of our commitment to fighting crime in the Pendle district, and ensuring that the people of Lancashire feel secure in their communities.

"The state-of-the-art work environment also reflects our ongoing commitment to providing officers with the facilities they need to do their jobs effectively.

"The new facility is part of a wider investment in policing infrastructure across the Lancashire region.

"This latest development will ensure that the Pendle district is well-equipped to deal with the challenges of modern policing and will provide a vital resource for local officers in the years to come."